54-year-old Faces Charges After Police Chase

October 19, 2005

EAST HARTFORD — A traffic stop for a seat belt violation on Tuesday turned into a police chase when the motorist drove off, police said.

The incident ended when the driver, Wilfredo Marquez, 54, of 11 Chelton Place, was shocked with a stun gun and fell, hitting his head on a brick wall, Sgt. Steve Syme said. Marquez suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital, he said.

Officer Johen Dupont pulled Marquez over on Silver Lane at 4:13 p.m., Syme said. As Dupont was explaining the ticket, Marquez threw the car into gear and drove off, hitting the officer, he said. Dupont was not injured.

Dupont pursued Marquez at speeds of up to 50 mph on the road, which has a 35-mph speed limit, Syme said. Marquez drove home to Chelton Place, he said.

Dupont pulled him out of his car, but Marquez refused to obey his commands, Syme said. Dupont used a Taser gun to shock him, but he continued to resist, Syme said. The second time Dupont fired the gun, Marquez fell to the ground, hitting his head on a brick wall, he said.

Marquez was charged with assault on a police officer, reckless endangerment, interfering with police, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit and with motor vehicle charges, Syme said. He was being held Tuesday night; bail was set at $5,000.